Chaplains ready to provide comfort to troops this Christmas season

Published: 2003-12-02

GALLUP, N.M. (CNS) -- This holiday season is expected to be an anxious time for more than 32,000 U.S. Catholic families who have a relative serving in Iraq. Although specific dates, times and locations of activities could not be disclosed for security reasons, Catholic chaplains of all military branches will be available to make the Christmas season as joyous and reverent as possible for men and women in the service. "Part of our job is being able to meet the sacramental needs of the people," said Franciscan Father Louis V. Iasiello, a rear admiral who is chief of chaplains for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. "I can't say exactly where I'll be but I'll be in as many places as I can, which will include places where there is still combat," Father Iasiello told Voice of the Southwest, Gallup diocesan newspaper, of his imminent return to Iraq.

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